2 Samuel 19:40

40 So the king went on to Galgal, and Chamaam with him. Now all the people of Juda had brought the king over, and only half of the people of Israel were there.

2 Samuel 19:40 Meaning and Commentary

2 Samuel 19:40

Then the king went on to Gilgal
Which, according to Josephus ^F14, was fifty furlongs from Jordan, six miles and a quarter:

and Chimham went on with him;
after Barzillai had left them, and accompanied the king to Jerusalem:

and all the people of Judah conducted the king;
to Jerusalem; who came to meet him, ( 2 Samuel 19:15 ) ;

and also half the people of Israel;
or a part of them, as the word used signifies, and not always an equal half, so Kimchi observes; even such of Israel as went out with David at first, and the a thousand men of Benjamin that came to meet him, ( 2 Samuel 19:17 ) .

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FOOTNOTES:

F14 Antiqu. l. 5. c. 1. sect. 4.

2 Samuel 19:40 In-Context

38 Then the king said to him: Let Chamaam go over with me, and I will do for him whatsoever shall please thee, and all that thou shalt ask of me, thou shalt obtain.

39 And when all the people and the king had passed over the Jordan, the king kissed Berzellai, and blessed him: and he returned to his own place.

40 So the king went on to Galgal, and Chamaam with him. Now all the people of Juda had brought the king over, and only half of the people of Israel were there.

41 Therefore all the men of Israel running together to the king, said to him: Why have our brethren the men of Juda stolen thee away, and have brought the king and his household over the Jordan, and all the men of David with him?

42 And all the men of Juda answered the men of Israel: Because the king is nearer to me: why art thou angry for this matter? have we eaten any thing of the king’s, or have any gifts been given us?